Let’s start Tuesday with a quick before-and-after. Because you know what they say about Tuesdays: They were made for before-and-afters!

This is before.

This is after.

Ahhh. My Tuesday is officially complete.

Meanwhile, in other Lodge news:

Here’s the hallway that leads to one of the bedrooms. I like the starkness…the plainness. Or do I just fear buying mirrors? Is my “plainness” just an excuse for me to avoid buying accessories?

And now we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty. The four bedrooms in the Lodge have…beds. Mattresses. Clean white sheets. And that’s it. Flat screen TV’s will eventually go on the walls, but first we need bedding. Chairs. Things on the walls.

Tell me if you think this idea is stupidly hokey and dumb and really, really lacking in creativity—sort of like “Let’s have an Easter wedding, and all the bridesmaids can wear different colors of PASTELS!!!!!!”.

Sorry. But I think I might have had that thought once. I’ve been angry at myself ever since.

Since the bedrooms are all generally the same, what if I changed them up by creating a different “theme” for each room? Now, when I say “theme” I don’t mean that Bedroom 1 would be Teddy Bears, and Bedroom 2 would be Holly Hobbie. I mean that Bedroom 1 would be (hypothetically) “Cowboy”—more masculine, rustic bedding, photos of chaps and cowboys on the walls, a pair of worn boots and reins here, maybe a saddle there. Bedroom 2 would be “Cowgirl”—floral quits, feminine (but not overly) color scheme, nature/floral photos on the walls, photos of the girls working cattle. Bedroom 3 would be…Horses. Bedroom 4 would be…Manure? Just kidding. Maybe cattle? Ranching history? Ranch landscape?

Or should the themes be more about the surrounding elements? Bedroom 1 is Earth, Bedroom 2 is Sky, Bedroom 3 is Fire, etc.?

Or do you like the Holly Hobbie idea? I really want the bedrooms to be a haven for those staying there. I want guests to feel like they could stay forever.

And who knows—maybe Holly Hobbie is the answer?

Love,
Pioneer Woman

P.S. I’m almost finished with my “Lodge Resources” post, and will also be discussing my living room decisions in the coming days. Lots happening behind the scenes. Translation: I keep forgetting to take my camera up there. I need to have it surgically attached to my hand, but then what would I do in the shower?

P.P.S. I was just kidding about the Holly Hobbie thing. I only mention that because once I joked about possibly putting up a blackwatch plaid wallpaper border with a golf theme and having bright pink furniture and I got a couple of concerned emails.

Kim K On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:17 am

I say go for the themes! Like you said, they don’t have to be TOO “themey”, but having a goal with each room gives you something to focus on. It allows you to give each room its own distinct personality! Love both of your ideas, the ranchy, cowboys, cowgirls idea, AND the earth/sky/water.
Either way is a winner!

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Crystal K On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:17 am

I like your theme room idea! In fact you could meld your theme suggestions. cowboy=earth colors, cowgirl=fire colors (red, orange), horse room= sky….get it? ok ok, it was just an idea!
Can you just imagine everyone fighting over their favorite room?!
“I wanted the cowgirl room!” ” well I was here first!” “But Ree said I could have it!” “Its mine now!” “I don’t see your name on it!” see? Fun! LOL
(Whatever you do, don’t go too neutral and plain! Have fun with it!)

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Joni On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:18 am

I love the theme idea of cowboy, cowgirl, etc. Go for it! I think the hallway would make a great art gallery of ranch life and then you would have to have any mirrors involved.

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jo On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:19 am

To be honest I really don’t like the first theme ideas at all. Too much lodgey hokeyness. I like the elements theme much better!

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Lana On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:20 am

You could do a kind of culmination of cowboy/girl, with horse, sky…. Well… I guess what I’m thinking is more of a natural ranch theme. Say one room a little masculine, with hats, chaps, bucking horses, rough looking terrain pics darker colors. One room, more feminine with grazing horses, flowing streams, lighter more soothing colors. One with maybe tractors, hay, work related, with more of a kid friendly theme ( I mean what kid on a ranch doesn’t want to drive/ride a tractor, jump on hay bales), but its still ranch related, with a slight play on the primary colors, NOT bright primary though, more antique. Thats all I’ve got for now.

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LL926 On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:20 am

Someone mentioned keeping the bedding similar colors. A good organizational hint for sheets it to put an entire sheet set into a pillow case so it’s all in one spot and it stacks nicely in the closet.

Some people keep sheets in a hall linen closet. I keep my sheets in the appropriate bedroom closets, stacked neatly on the shelf along with the spare comforters and extra pillows.

I lvoe the idea of the cowboy, cowgirl, horse rooms. Especially since they are all around the same general theme they just bring in different elements. I like the historical ranching as the 4th room. You pull in some really unique old fashioned praire life elements in that room.

While I would love to make a recommendation I am still suffering from post traumatic stress due to the fact that I have BEEN a bridesmaid in what I called the Easter Parade Wedding. I was the one in the pastel pink…oh and there were NINE of us! Ick. I need to crawl under my desk now.

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Cricket On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:21 am

Here are my two (or four) cents…

1) Elements – Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Wood. There is allot you can do with any of these and not make it overwhelming. The bathrooms already have water taken!

2) Seasons – Each room can represent a season on the ranch. You have some amazing photos that you can use to build on.

3) Colors – You can have a green room, blue room, red rum (oops…I mean red room), and so on. You already have a mud room so brown is spoken for!

4) Famous rooms – You can have a John Wayne room, Toni Collette room and so on. Then you can invite Toni over to stay in her suite! It would be rude of her to refuse…right!??!

I vote for 1 or 2 but 4 would be fun! :c)

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KM On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:21 am

I would be very careful if you decide to do themes. Most HGTV shows will tell you that theme rooms are a no-no. However, I agree with the person who said that if you are going to incorporate a theme in each room, make it subtle, so that you wouldn’t necessarily notice it when you walk in the room, but while lying in bed you might notice the decor leaning more toward one direction.

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Chris On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:21 am

I really like the elements idea, or even just a color difference in each room. I agree with the others who say that the ranching theme is everywhere, so something a little different (subtle) will be nice.

Hi Ree…
You need to go and check out this website before you go buy the tv mounts..http://www.superiortvmount.com
1-888-835-3916
My son helped design this mount and it swivels and tilts to about every angle…it is wonderful!!! Go check out the video…and give them a call tell them the “mother-in-law Pam sent you!!! (they will give you a good deal!!!) Pam

I love the idea of a ranch theme for each room. I really like the element theme too. I think the element theme might go over some people head unless you pointed it out to them… The ranch theme is perfect, I mean it is a lodge on a ranch, so I think it would be just right but not too hokey, considering the location!

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Jennifer On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:22 am

I love the idea. We have close friends that have a vacation home near the Mt. here in Oregon. It sits on a golf course too, so one room is all golf, the other is cabin stuff (bears, evergreen trees etc) and the third is wild flowers (the girls room). It is fun. I think you will enjoy it.

If you ever head to Oregon, I am sure I can set you up there for your vacation.

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Tina B On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:23 am

I like the four elements theme – earth, wind, fire and water. Think of all you could do with the colors and textures!

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pioneerwfan On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:23 am

I really like the idea of the elements and seasons as inspiration for the room. I think it gives you lots of room to play and be creative.
I’m not feeling the cowboy theme as it may be too much. It doesn’t feel like there’s as much room to change it up in the future and it’s a little too cheesy I think (sorry!).

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Star On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:23 am

Oh, Holly Hobby…I did a pair of embroidered pictures back in the day. Cute then; history now.

I like both of the ideas you set out with the different cowboy-type themes or the nature themes. If it were me, I’d probably do the nature themes BUT I don’t live on a ranch and I think the cowboy themes could be very tastefully done with the beautiful photos you have.

I love reading the comments on these posts because there are so many good ideas given. Can’t wait to see what you decide, Ree.

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Stephanie On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:25 am

Themed rooms can work or they can be completely and totally hokey and cheesy.

I think the idea is a good one – but I’d keep within the general theme of the lodge and keep it subtle, definitely.

Not crazy for theme rooms. I wouldn’t oppose different color schemes and displays of pictures that revolve around the same idea in each room.

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DonnaE On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:26 am

It depends on who is staying there- mainly adults?

I think a lodge/western thing throughout would be fun……that way you can mixmatch…….

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Misha On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:27 am

I vote Ranch style theme! I love the idea of one bedroom Cowboy, another Cowgirl, horses, cattle…

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mary beth On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:27 am

the key word is subtle…keep it in the background, since the rest of the lodge has such clean lines. I think one of the rooms should be Vintage cowboy photos, especially Cow-Gals. I like the idea of one of the earlier posts using kid cowboy photos for a kids room too. Wow the possibilities are endless! go for it!

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Melissa On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:28 am

When you said “theme rooms,” I cracked up laughing. My first thought was of a place that DH took me to early in our marriage (well before we adopted our kids and became responsible parents — it sometimes stinks to be responsible). Check out their theme rooms LOL http://www.fantasuite.com/Location.asp?LocationId=2

Being serious now, I like the idea of using the feel of the natural elements in the rooms. It sounds very tranquil and would be a great way to bring the outdoors into the rooms.

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Renee On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:28 am

Way too cheesy. What are going for, Applebee’s? People know they are on a ranch, they just have to look outside. Keep it consistent with the rest of the lodge furnishings. Solid, grounded furniture, with a sense of history: leather reading chair, good lighting ove the beds and good-sized bedside tables with adjustable reading lamps. Your own photos on the wall, maybe a group of four photos of one area of the ranch in the different seasons, but low color, nothing too bright. It should be a lush, nuetral haven from public space activity.

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Rhonda On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:29 am

I don’t use the word “hate” very often…but I’d like to state for the record that I hate Holly Hobbie.

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tweetybirdus On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:29 am

I like the idea of themes, cowboy, cowgirl, cattle, and horse rooms, but they must be done subltly and tastefully. I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job whipping something together.

I would do away with the TV’s your place is so beeutiful people are coming to get away from it. That is the down fall when we go on vacation. Hard to get away when there is a TV on. My husband has to have the TV on all the time. UGH. I love it when we get a place that has not TV. Actually get some peace and quite.
Themes are nice but not necessary. I would have the cowboy western ranch idea in all the rooms. It fits with your place.

I love the idea of using the elements in each room. There is a lot of room for creativity with that plan. I can’t wait to see what you decide!

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Mary On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:31 am

Keeping in mind the “less is more” idea, the theme rooms are great. Cowboy, cowgirl, ranch history, ranch animals. Your own photography along with vintage ranch photo’s for this history room should be enough. Add a comfortable chair and ottoman for the end of a weary day and I think you have magic. I think you have magic anyway — you’ll do a great job.

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Stacy On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:31 am

Love the theme idea! Have one more suggestion for you. For the cattle themed room, branding irons etc. AND sew up round soft faux fur piillows for the beds…to represent calf nuts of course!!! Ohhh haa ha haa! .Sorry, I haven’t been the same since I switched to de-CALF-inated coffee…

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mary beth On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:31 am

ps…I still love Hobbie Hobby…her little girls looked soft and quiet and a little shy, I loved the detail she put into each picture. If I could find her stuff around I would collect it.I started doing decoupage with her pictures back in the 70’s !

I’m not really into themes because if people get too into it looks like a theme just threw up on a room. I do like the element idea because you could do it in colors. Earth obviously would be more greens and natural. Water would be white and peaceful. Sky would be blue and airy. Fire would be reds and oranges. I like that!

I like the ranch themes… (minus the florals!! Florals are evil! Sorry, but I can’t picture really good florals… unless we’re talking about your own close up photography.) Ladies will always fight over the chaps room though… you realize that.

I think your cowgirl room should actually be a tribute to your cowgirl pinups… but then… not sure how strange it would feel to be a woman sleeping in there, staring at scantily clad buxom cowgirls just after (likely) eating something loaded with butter and bacon. It might be bad for some self-images. But it would be cool anyways.

And seriously… you need a John Wayne/Old Western movie room. How can you not?!

Whatever you do, simplicity is good. I also like the idea of the “seasons at the ranch” themes…

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tweetybirdus On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:31 am

omg, #226, that was hilarious. I just loved the Swinger Room. lol

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Tammi On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:32 am

I agree with poster #172, and I disagree with everyone who says no t.v. I have to have my t.v. to fall asleep!

— Hmm… I like the earth, wind, fire, ice, water, and/or vegetation idea… it gives you more freedoom without being too “theme-y”.

— Maybe paint one wall in each… either the TV or bed headboard wall. (Like deep red for fire, deep brown for earth, periwinkle or silvery blue or duck-egg blue for wind or water, mottled gray for ice, and sage green for vegetation)

— Could have some accent work on the painted wall
(it would need to be veyr subtle to be effective and not corny; but vertical brushing in one-two other shades of red from the floor to give a very subtle- hardly visible flame-like texture to the wall… or for wind swirls… or for ice vertical ceiling to halfway down strokes with texture for icicles, or random circlular texture for flakes… or for earth, stippling in different shades of brown and tan… or for vegetation suede or cross-hatch brushing in different shades of green near the ceilling and some upsrokes near the baseboard area for grass)

— Accent each rooms’ “theme” with decorations that fit that theme, but still with a ranch flair.. Here are a couple of ideas (a few are rather out-of-the box to help get you thinking):

wind- old weathervane, windchimes outside window or glass chimes somewhere in the room for decoration, a ceiling or fan of some sort, tumbleweed on the wall, your pictures of a windmill or kids with hair blowing- maybe in gray tones with specific items colorized, clear glass accents

ice- ice block tongs, old ice skates, hockey stick, old ice box for a nightstand, old style ice cube trays & picks, your pictures of horses with ice in their manes and snow on the ranch, silver accents

fire- old brands for cattle, candles, add a small pot belly stove to the corner of the room- or use an old potbelly-style stove with glass on top as a nightstand/ table in the room, old cast iron pots/ skillets, your pictures of a bonfire or kids roasting marshmallows- maybe in regular or intensified colors, maybe black wrought iron accents

water- water “fountain” bubbling over rocks in the corner of the room, clear glass pitchers and glasses sitting on the table for use by guests or on shelving for displays, aquarium on night stand or as nigthstand/table, old umbrella, galoshes, water trough, canoe/ boat, sails draping from ceiling, your pictures of cattle drinking from stream or family “playing at the ocean- maybe in black and white, maybe white or brass or stainless accents

Darlene On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:33 am

I love your idea for the rooms… cowboy, cowgirl, horses, cattle. Perfect!!! I think you need to keep it all ranchy so that it flows with the rest of the lodge.

No Holly Hobbie or ballet stuff.

I had a Holly Hobbie doll… and lunch box… and my mama even made me a Holly Hobbie dress. I wore it to school on pioneer day. That was back when kids called me little miss piss… instead of priss. My mom made most of my clothes and was an excellent seamstress. Everything always matched to the ribbons in my hair… and well, even my underwear. Sometimes I get rebellious in my old age and… shhhhh… my underwear might sometimes not match what I’m wearing. Don’t tell.

That’s just a little Coffee Bean trivia for you. Your welcome.

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marylu2 On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:34 am

Different themes are okay—keep it simple and subtle.
You’ve done a great job so far, Ree. I like your choice of good western colors and the modern country look .

I like theme rooms and the elements sound like it would make a nice serene atmosphere and still blend in with the ranch theme. Your nature photos and horses would make beautiful framed pieces with the themes.

Debbie

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Luna On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:37 am

Great idea for the themes, esp. the ones involving ranch life. It is just like a bed and breakfast I stayed at, each room was a theme. And that’s what the lodge reminds me of. GO FOR IT

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Vikki On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:37 am

I think each room should have a different subtle feel about it. A little different color. I think a ranching.cowboy/girl in each room would be easier. You can mix a hint of masculine and feminine in each area with out making one solidly either way and it would be beautiful.

oh no … Holly hobbie scares me. 23 years ago I gave birth and was stuck in a hosp room … sick … for nine days and it had holly hobbie wall paper. I like the theme ideas but as the 4th, maybe just “prairie” type theme, aka wild flower colors. just a thought

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christine On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:38 am

i like the theme idea – but i wouldn’t want to get to detailed because you may want to switch things up at some point. it would be really fun to have photos from your family and ranch to add personality and warmth to the room. you should add some color too! good luck!

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Liz On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:38 am

I’m not a big theme person, which is why I l-o-a-t-h-e costume parties. I am a more “stand in the corner and pretend I’m invisible” person. I like plain, open spaces: serenity space. I need it. I want it.

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Heather On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:38 am

Wow, I think you have to be careful here to be reeeeaaalllly subtle. It’s so easy to get carried away by a theme and then WHAM, you’re in cheeseville. I like the elemental idea, which could be carried out by color or accessories or a little of both. I think what really makes a room is luxury — lofty comforters, coordinated linens, amenities like a cushy chair, bedside tables with good reading lights, a tray with a pitcher and glasses, good texture on your soft stuff, cool rugs underfoot (ooo, like Dash & Albert), art on the walls that beckons…

This is all making me want to redo my room. Sure wish I had money.

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KimL On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:38 am

I like the theme idea, although I think you would have to go a little light on the cowgirl room. Not too many males like to be surrounded by flowers and chintz, especially when there’s rawhide and cattle and grass and horses everywhere else! lol Just curious though as to why you want each bedroom to have a tv? I would think that by the time guests actually made it to the bedroom, they’d be too tired to want to watch anything. I’ve been fighting with my husband about putting a tv in our room, and I know I’m slowly losing the battle, especially as the kids get older and want to watch different things. Oh well, I guess that’s just one of my quirks that makes him love me! lol

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Allison On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:39 am

Themes are so 80’s. Instead, be inspired by the natural beauty all around you. Let one room be inspired by the blue skies as far as you can see and the colors can be blues, grays, etc. Another room the verdant grass in summer with a focus on greens. I would do a white cotton coverlet on every bed and bring in color on the walls, drapes,shams, dust ruffles, pillows, lamps, etc. – but no more than 2-3 different colors in each room. Otherwise it will be too busy. Have fun whatever you do!

I think themes are a great idea. Maybe cowboys and cowgirls, and then maybe something with your cattle brand and a little history behind it in one room? And maybe a room devoted to country cooking? Like cool pots and utensils and whatnot?

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Lauren (in PA) On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:41 am

OMG! I had a pink gingham and somewhat Holly Hobbie theme growing up in Indiana in the 70’s (of course)! I love Holly Hobbie, and would fully support a theme as such.

I actually do really like the earth, wind, fire, water there idea. Truly elemental.

I like the cowboy stuff, but you have that covered by having actual cowboys around.

Go for the elements!

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Libby On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:42 am

Perhaps I suffer from the same illness you do (I once thought it would be a good idea to get married around Christmas and have all the bridesmaids wear jewel tones!), but I like the theme idea. Especially given that the lodge already sort of has those themes, so it’s not like the bedrooms would stick out. And if you are careful about your selections (not TOO “themey”) I think it would look great. But, then again, I thought ball gown skirts with jewel-toned sweaters would look good too.

The four seasons and your photography of the ranch from each. The green, the brown, the white, the…purple? I dunno, but I like to see the ranch in all of the seasons and that would give you a color palate for each. Or you could have a Christmas, july 4th, easter, colombus day….
Whatever you do will be exquisite, but make sure you hang your pics.

Every room should have a white feather comforter, white sheets – You can bleach after guests, and they stay great looking. Then you can accent each room whith just a few items that can be switched and rotated. Maybe you should start with antique stores/auctions/flee markets. I enjoy personal touches vs pages ripped out of a catalog. Treat each room as you would a guest room in your home.

Personally I think Hello Kitty would look perfect in that room Kidding aside, I like the theme idea. I don’t really like floral decor, but you are pretty creative, so I think you can make it work. Whatever you do, don’t go overboard. Don’t make it so that the themes jump out at you and scream in your face. Make it subtle. Everything is looking great so far, keep up the good work!

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Allyson On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:43 am

SURROUNDING ELEMENTS absolutely! What an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the elements and your area and your photography!! I think the cowboy stuff would be very expected and ok but the elements would just be beyond artistic and support the entire architecture of the project in a very inspired way.

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Cindi On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:44 am

Earth and sky colors, etc. Make it a calm.

Relaxing.

Use some of your great photos.

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Antonia On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:44 am

What about 2 of each theme? Mix it up.

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lynette On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:44 am

I would suggest keeping the decor uniform, but using the different colors to distinguish the bedrooms. This is where you can use the elements: earth, water, wind, fire (green, blue, gold, red). It is functional: “You’re staying in the blue room tonight, and you’ve got the green room, just down the hall.” The decor should be in keeping with that of a working ranch home, using artwork depicting local life, the fauna, ranch history, etc. Where have you put your lucky horseshoe?

Just my 2 cents – and it’s worth every penny you paid for it.

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bonnie On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:44 am

The theme ideas are a great way to choose decor for each room. Especially since they are all guest rooms and bedrooms usually express the person’s style who sleeps there… but when it’s guests, they don’t get to choose a style. You do!

Do you have any special plans for the lodge besides your family events??

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Jean On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:44 am

When I visit Santa Fe, I love that the hotels, restaurants and shops are soooo Santa Fe.
When the time comes that I can visit your lodge, I would expect to see the things that make me return to your website everyday, ranch life and Oklahoma. You’re right on target with your ideas and with that, everything in the lodge would look great anywhere you put it.

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myboysmom On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:46 am

I would do a theme, but maybe not so broad. Like maybe saddles for one room, or horseshoes, or cowboy hats. I’m thinking more like black and white up close photos and real life items in the room. Something like that to where one room will flow to another, but not be the same. Warm quilts and throws to soften things up.

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Brandey On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:47 am

I love the idea of ‘themes’ for each room. The cowboy, cowgirl, horses and maybe landscape themes…!

I love both the ideas… maybe 2 rustic, 2 earth/ fire, just to mix it up. -BUT- (and I don’t mean my hiney) how funny would it be to have one of the most girly, frilly, sugary, tacky rooms just to put up one of the most manly of friends and guests in. Like, when MATTEO comes to stay, he could have the Holly Hobby Room..?! Ok, maybe not as funny as when I first thought about it, but I could picture him going on and on about it for weeks!

I like the general idea, as well as assigning guests to rooms with names, not just the “third door down on the right.” They’d be staying in the “sunset room” or whatever….

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ArizonaJenny On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:49 am

Oh my, I haven’t even thought of Holly Hobbie in years and years. I’m not into ‘themes’ but I do like your idea masculine and feminine rooms…..definately keep it western/rustic.

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carrie On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:49 am

I Hate to buck the trend on here…but I don’t know about the themes. Sorta like seashells/lighthouse theme in every beachhouse ever decorated. Plus you already have a pretty healthy dose of ranch decor throughout the rest of the lodge. I like the boy/girl theme though, maybe in a color palette like some others suggested, or maybe do a REE/MM theme, you know a big city decor in one room ( I’m thinking stark black and white with some bright colors and city scapes, and then for MM you can do the ranch look, (maybe hang his collage in there, lol)

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Pat On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:49 am

I looove your idea of ranch themes for the bedrooms. It personalizes each room without veering away from the whole ranch theme.

Your before and after photos were interesting and what I missed in the “after” photo was the hominess of the “before” photo. Keep on accessorizing. It’s coming along beautifully.

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Karen On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:49 am

I like the idea of water, land, fire, ice… elements I guess. That way, if you have a house full of men, nobody has to get stuck with the flower room.

What about combining the “themes” of natural and the happenings of the ranch. Then you don’t go overboard on either and can come to a happy medium…

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Karen On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:50 am

Oh! Seasons! Seasons on the ranch. The same shots but just in the different seasons and the colors of the room to coordinate. That could be neat.

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Shari On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:51 am

I would not get to many options going on the bedding. Go with denim or basic quilts on the beds in all the rooms. Then you can add throw pillows and photos to make each room unique. I bring this idea to your attention is for the following reason – say one of the matching bed spreads get damaged beyond repair or washing and you can no longer buy the matching spread, then you are stuck with a mismatch or buying two new ones. If you by enough for all of the current beds and 2 or 3 three extra bed spreads to keep in rotation, you will always have a consistent look (until you decide to go with something new for all the beds).

I like the idea of ranch themes (cowboy, cowgirl, etc;) much better than the alternatives. I think this would e a great unique way to dress up the spaces….The most important element should be photos….real ones…..YOR PHOTOS adorning the walls in the mosr rustic but elegant frames ever!!! Ahhhhh, I wanna come stay at the lodge!!!

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Christine On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:51 am

I know it will be awesome. And for those concerned about the TV’s, they don’t HAVE to be turned on. It’s just the option. (Having lived in tornado alley, I appreciated all the advance warning I could get in every room!)

aspen On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:52 am

“Let’s have an Easter wedding, and all the bridesmaids can wear different colors of PASTELS!!!!!!”.”
My sister in law did that. And how she got my cowboy husband into a grey tuxedo with PEACH tie and cumberbund, I will never know.
Please DON’T go with worn out dead boots and saddles tossed around to make things look “country” like in the magazines. If you do have to decorate with cowboy gear, use good stuff – hand made, good quality things that people can admire for the work that went into them. Old junkers placed in a house for “the look” end up looking as bad as they smell.
From someone who DOES have a saddle – over 100 years old – and spurs and bosal (hand made by people we know) in the living room.

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Janie B. On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:52 am

lOvE the theme ideas!! That fits your life style perfectly! Do they happen to have a cowgirl Holly Hobby ot there somewhere? HA just kidding!

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Kristy On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:53 am

I like the first idea.. cowboy/cowgirl/horses/ranch landscape or cows or something else to do with the ranch. I think it would look a bit strange–too uniform and not as cozy/homey–if you did all the bedrooms the same. Go for the themes!

cheryl On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:53 am

I wouldn’t go with themes…I would concentrate on making the rooms comfortable and pleasant..maybe a nice waterfall for peaceful sleep. You want classy….not something that wouldn’t fit all guests. I would much rather stay in a well decorated room with comforts of home..than something distracting. Maybe go with colors..the green room, the blue room, ect. The rest of the lodge is top of the line….continue on!

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horsechick On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:53 am

Okay, I know I’m going against the trend, but I really don’t like themed rooms, themed Christmas trees, theme parks, etc. I think if you just decorate the bedrooms with the same western/cattle ranch eclectic feel of the rest of the house, you’ll be right on target. Make it look like you just decorated with found objects and happened to put them together in a pleasing way. Get my drift? More like a patchwork quilt than a bed-in-a-bag.

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Kelly On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:54 am

I like the “theme” idea – but be careful to make sure all the rooms tie into the overall feel of the lodge. You don’t want people going to their bedrooms and thinking they are in a different world! hahaha.
I think subtle themes would be great – but don’t get carried away!

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jewelee On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:54 am

I am not big on the theme idea. I would just go with picking a textile or object that you really like and building each room around that. Themes can go oh so wrong. People grab onto them and then the next thing you know every gift you ever get is connected to that theme. It gets scary.

Jenn On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:55 am

I like the theme idea for each room as long as you don’t go overboard. I also think it would be cool to give each room a name. One could be The Nell, in memory of your beloved dog, not a shrine though. Something simple and elegant with black and white accents.

I love themes. That’s a very popular idea here in the Smoky Mountains. Bears are a very popular theme, but I think it’s very fun for a house meant for guests.

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Megan On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:57 am

I think decorating with your own photography can really bring a room and home alive. There are memories and stories and funny faces involved. You can show your real life and still support a theme. I like it.

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Media On Tuesday, February 3 at 10:57 am

I love the theme rooms idea, I also think a kinda mix of both wouldn’t be too bad either..